Sharon & Lorenzo Devora inducted into Texas Pork Hall of Honor

Contributed

Sharon and Lorenzo Devora, of Pipe Creek, were inducted into the Texas Pork Hall of Honor by the Texas Pork Producers Association at the organization's annual awards dinner July 7 in San Angelo. They were honored for their career achievements and significant contributions and leadership to the pork industry.

Since 1961, Lorenzo has raised commercial feeder pigs and show pigs, while pursuing a highly successful career in the construction business.

During the 1970s, the Devora Duroc Farm, while expanding from 40 to 120 sows, had champion duroc boars at both San Antonio and Fort Worth shows and also exhibited winning pens of pigs at the Texas State Feeder Pig Shows in Athens and Brenham. In 1979, when Sharon and Lorenzo married and brought their families together, they expanded to a new location to build their hog farm. At the peak of production, the farm had 147 sows.

As Lorenzo and Sharon became more involved in the three local pork producers organizations, Lorenzo was asked by local producers to represent the Sand Hill Pork Producers Association as a director of the Texas Pork Producers Association in 1979. At that time the TPPA board was made up of two volunteer representatives from each of the numerous local organizations from around Texas.

In 1990, the TPPA membership adopted a new constitution and bylaws and began electing the board of directors at the annual meeting. At that first election under the new structure, Lorenzo was elected a member of the board and has since been re-elected every three years by the membership.

He is only one of two individuals that have volunteered his time, talents and personal resources to serve the pork industry in Texas for over 32 years.

The Devoras began to organize pig shows, sales, educational programs and fund raising activities.

Sharon joined Judy Smith and other spouses of TPPA board members to host the annual auction at the Texas Pork Industry Conference to raise money for scholarships and public policy efforts. She worked as a member of the Fun Auction Committee from its formation in 1987 and has been chairwoman since 2005. This committee has raised over $250,000 during the 24 years the women have held the auction.

Lorenzo and Sharon have also been outstanding contributors to the TPPA Scholarship Fund with donations and purchasing "Symbol" a total of 5 times.

Lorenzo has been recognized by the Somerset FFA Chapter as an Honorary Chapter Farmer. He personally started posts for Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Explorer Troops in his county. He was elected to serve on the Somerset ISD board of directors and was elected to terms as vice president and president of the board.

Together, the Devoras are honored as dedicated supporters and generous providers of time, talents and resources; they are positive, motivated and loyal friends of pig farmers in Texas.

Pictured: Members of the Texas Pork Producers Association present plaques to Sharon and Lorenzo Devora of Pipe Creek during their induction into the Texas Pork Hall of Honor in San Angelo earlier this month.